Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement. Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants replace missing tooth roots and preserve your jawbone density! The implant is surgically placed in your jaw where it fuses to the bone. When it’s healed, we add a restoration like a crown on top.

Who can get dental implants?

While many patients with missing teeth are good candidates for dental implants, there are a few requirements. For example, you need enough jawbone density to secure the implants. If your jawbone isn’t dense enough, you’ll need a bone graft. You also need to be in good oral health. What about if you are a smoker or have a tobacco habit? Although it’s not an automatic disqualification, tobacco use can prolong your healing time and increase your risk of dental implant failure.

Why is smoking an issue with dental implants?

When the implant (which is a titanium post) is first placed, it needs to fuse to the jawbone. Smoking slows down this osseointegration process and increases your risk for infections. Even if your implant fuses properly, smoking increases the risk of failure in the long term. Gum disease and jawbone deterioration can cause the implant to become loose and even fall out. If you smoke and want dental implants, you should strongly consider quitting.

Will cutting back on smoking make a difference?

We understand that it can feel very hard to stop smoking. But doing so before you get a dental implant will help your jaw heal and successfully fuse with the implant.

Dental implants in Jonesboro, AR

At Jonesboro Dental Care, we advise patients to quit smoking if they want dental implants. This gives the implant the best chance at success! When cared for properly, implants can last a lifetime. If you have additional questions, please schedule an in-person consultation with our expert dentists. Contact us today!

Contact Us

Categorised in: Gum Health, Oral Health, Restorative Dentistry